New F-35 work for Kongsberg Defense

Lockheed has given Kongsberg Defense of Norway to produce structural components for Lot 10 production F-35 fighters.

An F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft banks over the flightline at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida on, April 23, 2009. The aircraft is the first F-35 to visit the base which will be the future home of the JSF training facility. (UPI Photo/Julianne Showalter/US Air Force) | License Photo

The orders from Lockheed Martin have a combined value of about $18.35 million, the company said Thursday.

The structural parts are for the aircraft's central fuselage. They will be for Lot 10 production fighters and come under an ongoing frame agreement between the two companies. The order for production of main landing gear panels is for Lot 10 and Lot 11 production aircraft and is new work for Kongsberg.

"These contracts demonstrate Kongsberg's continued competitiveness of high-end manufacturing," said Kongsberg Defense Systems Executive Vice President Terje Brathen. "We are particularly pleased that new scope of work can be captured on F-35 in competition with international suppliers."

After successful qualification, Kongsberg will be single source producer for the MLG parts and the sales potential for delivery of MLG panels over the life of the program.

Since the first of the year, Kongsberg has received $95.1 million in orders for F-35 structural parts.